Ph.D. Design Inc.

We had Phd Design build our dream home. For us, it was a very large project, as it was a new home. From start to finish, the work and commitment to the project was excellent. We moved in over 7 months ago, and all follow up questions were answered and work was completed. Peter is a master at what he does. He has tremendous experience and insight. He guided us through the architectural process and approved all interior design tasks. Meredith has a great eye as an interior designer and kept the design work in check to assure that all parts of the home flowed together. She made sure we did not make any design mistakes and kept the focus on the big picture. We look forward to coming home everyday I would recommend them highly! Rajiv and Mahin

Last year we bought a very nice but somewhat old house in Etobicoke. Our idea was to carve out an “in-laws suite” for my wife and me, keeping the rest of the house for my daughter, her husband and kids. Since our area was to be small we wanted an open concept with lots of light. Not an easy task to do, due to the limitations of existing small areas and windows, the structural constraints and the need to incorporate a new kitchen. In addition we had a tight budget since we had spent more than planned on the house. As an engineer I drew some drafts of what we wanted to do. Nevertheless we decided to go to the people that know what they are doing. I am convinced that it is not in the cost of the design itself where savings are made, it’s the savings and quality of the results that a good design brings that makes the difference. So, we went searching for the right architect. We looked around and got very good recommendations for Ph.D. Design. We met them and explained our project and were impressed by their knowledge and their personal touch. I have to say that I was a bit surprised and extremely happy when they accepted to take our small job. The on-time end result was formidable and exceeded our expectations as you can appreciate on the attached pictures. The space looks enormous and cozy at the same time - it’s like having a cottage or a high end resort right in the city. Friends that visit us love it and those who had previously seen the house, could not believe what was achieved. Ph.D. Design also supported us throughout the whole job. From the design per se, the building permit process, and in the selection of an excellent contractor with the right experience with this kind of work. They also helped us with the inspection of the work, the procurement of key materials and appliances, and with the infinite details of interior design, all under a cost conscious vision. At the end we have a beautiful home after a strain free remodeling.

It is always a pleasure to work with Meredith from PHD design. She has a vision of a complete project which makes it very easy for us to provide the right lighting solutions for her customers.

Working with PhD Design has been a dream come true, literally. We had long admired their work in the neighbourhood so our first call was to PhD Design when it came time to do our own renovation. After the initial meeting with Peter we knew immediately that there would be no need to call any of the other firms on our list! From the very start Peter listened and understood our vision for our future home. Peter’s ability to incorporate our many ideas into a coherent beautiful design that is light-filled and charming, yet also extremely functional making maximum use of every space is a testament to the depth of his skills and knowledge. Peter’s practical advice, commitment, energy and responsiveness made navigating the complexities of the permitting process, contractor selection, and construction phase stress-free and efficient; the value of his end-to-end support throughout the 10 months of our project cannot be overstated. The final result has exceeded all expectations and our home surprises us even now at how perfectly it fits with our family’s lifestyle and how we envisioned living in the various spaces. Meredith is the hidden gem of PhD Design. Because of her involvement in our project from the start the transition to the interior design phase was seamless. Meredith’s design aesthetic, thoughtfulness and attention to detail is impeccable, elevating the interiors of our home to the next level. Her ability to flawlessly oversee and respond to our needs in every aspect of the interiors, from electrical plans to custom millwork designs to the sourcing and selection of all finishings (tile, stone, paint, trim, appliances, hardware, fixtures), is truly astounding. Meredith approached the interior design of our home as if it was her own, and we trusted her advice completely. We absolutely love everything about our new home. And while the process of getting here was a lot (a lot!) of work, it was also enjoyable and rewarding because of Peter and Meredith. Words cannot express how grateful we are to Peter and Meredith for helping us to create the home of our dreams, they are truly the best!

We wanted to update and improve our lovely older home, while maintaining the charm of our home. Ph.D. brought creative vision and project expertise that we found exceptional. Their respect for the original beauty of the home married with Ph.D. vision for exceptional updated improvements have added total pizazz to our home! I can highly recommend The Ph.D. team's professionalism, ability and expertise for any substantial addition and renovation, project.

I hired PHD because they have done extensive work in the neighbourhood, and all of it is beautiful. They did a fantastic job with our project. We are very pleased with the result of our home renovation. They were easy to work with, professional, responsive.

We bought a house that was built by PHD Design. The workmanship is impeccable, the decision is modern yet rustic. The attention to detail is unprecedented. There is so much light in the house because of the amount of perfectly placed windows. The house was designed with attention to detail, every space in the house was perfectly used and designed. The quality of the material is great. We love the look and feel of the house. We would definitely hire PHD in the future for a new build or a renovation. As well, working with Meredith Ellacott, who helps with interior design, was such a pleasure. She is a true talent.

I have now used Ph.D Design on two occasions and have been extremely pleased with the process and the results in both cases. The house is old (1885) but my aesthetic is modern. Ph.D gave me the best of both worlds and, as in all the other projects I have seen of their’s, surprise and pleasure is evident. As one client told me – he knows how to “explode interior space.” First I did a bedroom extension and rear house remodelling which resulted in a cathedral ceiling that soars to the third floor. Later, when I wanted to relocate to the ground floor, there was a total gut: the axis of the house was changed and some walls and false ceilings were blown out. And through it all Ph.D kept a tight rein on the contractors working for me. Entering my house one is blown away, not by lugubrious, obedient historical touches, but space, light, and a logical plan. Every space is well-utilized. Ideas crop up and are incorporated, for architect Peter Marzynski is very hands-on. His associate Meredith Ellacott, working closely with Peter, complements the style vision, with precision, logic (the ‘why’ of the solution) counselling, sourcing difference price points, staying within my budget, and like Peter keeping a strict rationale, which gave sense to every aesthetic decision. Overall I was consulted, advised and supported. The inter relationship with the contractor was close too, and my sense was that I had a big team working with me, Peter Marzynski is a charming man who listens and is extremely responsive during the course of the project whether it is large or small. Frankly I was honoured that Peter took on these two small projects. His father Stanislaw Marzynski was an award-winning architect of major projects rebuilding Warsaw after World War II Working with him I get a sense of depth, simplicity and frugality. A desire to work with spaces rather than rip them out, yet the bravado to rip out where necessary, to then reveal the true bones. Five stars!

After meeting with numerous architects on our renovation project my finance and I decided to work with Ph.D and we're very glad we did. Peter and Meredith undoubtedly had an eye for architectural design, home functionality and cost efficiency. More importantly however; their attentiveness to our needs, questions and concerns was impeccable. The scale of the project was more greater than first anticipated, which lead to a lot of stress and headaches but was greatly alleviated by PhD's dedication and expertise. Without writing a novel about the experience, which I could, I simply wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Peter and Meredith as well as a wholehearted recommendation of their services.

Peter and Meredith made our renovation into a wonderful adventure. I always looked forward to our meetings as they were always so well-prepared with amazing ideas based on our needs and the needs of our beautiful 1930's home. Now, as I walk through our completed project, I look around and realize that what we dreamed on paper has come true. Our house still has it's character but now it's much more welcoming and charming. I would not hesitate to recommend PhD Designs. Thy made us feel like collaborators and always made us feel like we were in control.

We wanted a modern house that was spectacular, but also comfortable to live in. We were working with a 27' wide urban lot, which already had a 1926 vintage home on it-not really a blank slate. Through a collaborative process with architect Peter Marzinsky and his designer, Meredith Ellacott, we believe we have achieved our goals. Peter and Meredith were respectful of our taste, needs and budget, and brought all of their creative energy to the project. Our friends and neighbours say 'wow', 'spectacular', 'amazing' and we enjoy living in this work of art every day.